Account details from bank for getting the succession certificate

Background of the case

The Appellant sought details of savings bank account, term deposits, locker, nominees of the account of a deceased pension account holder. The PIO advised the appellant that the requested information was covered under the nondisclosure clause and that he was required to present a certificate of being the legal heir of the deceased in order to receive the information. On appeal, the FAA denied disclosure of the information under the provisions of section 8 (1) (d), (e) and (j) of the RTI Act.

View of the CIC

Before the Commission, the Appellant stated that he had sought this information in order to get succession certificate as he was a cousin of the deceased and his legal heir. Respondent stated that the nominee of the deceased account holder was his wife who had predeceased him and that now there was no other nominee on record. The respondent also stated that the deceased pension account holder had died eight years ago and that no other claimant had come forth. The Commission directed the appellant to provide affidavit to the PIO within one week of receipt of the order that there are no other legal heirs of the deceased pension account holder and that he is the only heir. PIO will, after satisfying himself, provide information to the appellant within one week thereafter.

Citation: Shri Radha Mohan Paliwal v.  State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur in appeal No. CIC/DS/A/2011/002639